Ways to Give
The Star Fund
The Star Fund was created by the Community High School Board of Trustees to honor deceased alumni with an ongoing, annually funded scholarships whereby students can receive funds to support them in extracurricular and summer activities intended to extend and enhance their CHS experience. These might include foreign travel, internship opportunities, or specialized programs.
This way to give was originally created in memory of a former student, Nicole Irwin. The name came from an image provided by Nicole’s mother Janet, at the memorial service. Janet evoked the notion of round and square pegs and the proverbial fit and misfits which occur. She suggested that Nicole was, in fact, neither round nor square but rather more star shaped in personality – quite brilliant and remarkable, but also prickly. She believed that the virtue of both Community School and Community High School was in their ability to allow students to fit and to shine in spite of their irregular personality shapes.
Donations to the Star Fund can be made in honor of the alumni we have lost.
In Memory Of
Nicole Irwin
James Carter
Graham Ewen, class of 2009
November 26, 1990 – February 18, 2018
Graham Ewen, 27, of Clifton Forge and formerly of Vinton and Daleville, Virginia passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2018. He graduated from CHS in 2009, and spent the past few years working as a guide for Outdoor Adventures at the Greenbriar. Graham leaves behind a legacy of kindness and laughter, and a long list of good-natured pranks. He will forever be remembered for the role of Oswaldo Velaquez in the CHS film Mauve Crumble, and as the mastermind behind many an outdoor adventure. In addition to the Star Fund, contributions can be made in Graham’s memory to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the League for Animal Protection (PO Box 561, Fincastle, VA 24090).
Martin Kirk, class of 2010
March 13, 1991 – July 9, 2016
Martin Gregory Kirk, 25, of Roanoke, Virginia passed away on Saturday, July 9, 2016. Martin was a loving son, brother and friend who loved adventure. Martin had a free and loving spirit that was never meant to be contained in life or in death.